This is the moment a rescued sloth bear steps out to freedom in southern India.

Indian forest officials took the bear to the Mudumalai forest reserve on March 14 and set it free there.

As they opened the cage cautiously, the bear hesitantly stepped out and then ran free without looking back.

The male bear had entered the South Indian town of Ooty on March 13 and caused widespread panic.

Forest department officials tranquilised the bear with a dart gun and then shifted it to a cage before taking it away.

Officials said the bear might have strayed into the town in search of food and water as there was an acute shortage of water in the jungles.